High speed turbine



April 9, 1968 Filed May 6, 1965 f 5 f d j e H. L. CHAMBAUT 3,376,789

HIGH SPEED TURBINE 9 Sheets-Sheet 1 APril 9, 1968 H. L. CHAMBAUT 3,376,789

I GH SP URBI HI E'ED T NE Filed May 6, 1965 9 Sheets-Sheet 2 April 9, 1968 H. L. CHAMBAUT 3,376,789

HIGH SPEED TURBINE Filed May 6, 1965 9 Sheets-Sheet 3 April 9, 1968 H. L. CHAMBAUT 3,376,789

HIGH SPEED TURBINE Filed May 6, 1965 9 Sheets-Sheet 8 April 9, 1968 H. 1.. CHAMBAUT 3,375,739

HIGH SPEED TURBINE Filed May 6, 1965 9 Sheets-Sheet 9 United States Patent 3,376,789 HIGH SPEED TURBINE Henry L. Chamhaut, Villeneuve-Loubet, Alpes Maritimes, France, assignor to O.M.N.I. H. Campana & Cie. Filed May 6, 1965, Ser. No. 453,771

Claims priority, application Monaco, May 6, 1964,

494; Apr. 26, 1955, 040

2 Claims. (CI. 9192) ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLGSURE A high speed rotary engine comprising a rotor revolving inside a hollow cylindrical stator and the operative chambers of which are formed inside the gap between the rotor and stator and bounded by one or more pistonshaped projections on the rotor the outer surfaces of which are flush with the inner periphery of the cylindrical stator and by sector-shaped obturators pivotally carried by the inner periphery of the stator and driven in synchronisrn with the rotor so as to close at predetermined moments said chambers to the rear of the piston-shaped projections. The admission of driving fluid is performed through a hollow shaft coaxially rigid with the rotor and radial bores connecting the inner bore of the shaft with the periphery of the rotor just behind each projection.

The present invention relates to an improved highspeed turbine and in particular to a circumferential peripheral thrust turbine which has no dead point and starts in any angular position of the rotor. It operates without lubrication and with any fluid and with any substance that supplies a pressure or an explosion.

The invention will next be described with reference to the attached drawing, wherein:

FIGURE 1 is a diagrammatic elevation view of a first embodiment of a turbine,

FIGURE 2 is an elevation view of a gear drive arrangement of the turbine of FIG. 1,

FIGURE 3 is a side view of the turbine of FIG. 1,

FIGURE 4 is a view similar to FIG. 1 of a second embodiment of the turbine,

FIGURE 5 is a similar view of a third embodiment of a turbine,

FIGURE 6 is an elevation view of a gear drive arrangement of the turbine of FIG. 5,

FIGURE 7 is a view similar to that of FIG. 1 of another embodiment of the turbine,

FIGURE 8 shows a gear drive arrangement for the turbine of FIG. 7,

FIGURE 9 is a View similar to that in FIG. 1 of another embodiment of the turbine,

FIGURE 10 shows a gear drive arrangement for the turbine of FIG. 9, I

FIGURE 11 shows a modified version of an oscillator, and

FIGURE 12 shows another modified version of an oscillator.

This turbine operates as follows:

The motive thrust is efiected by the arrival of the thrust or pressure fluid (h), then enters the passages (f) and leaves through (I) to enter the thrust chambers (r), see FIGS. 1 and 3. The thrusts occur between the rotating oscillators (v), two of which are always flush with the rotor (g), and the portions (b) of the tops (d) of the rotor (g). The thrusts are perfectly continuous over the 360 of the circumference.

It is especially to be noted that the rotating oscillators which form the entire circumference rotate in the same direction as the rotor (g). This arrangement avoids any counter-pressure capable of braking the rotor.

It is understood that, during the cycle of the rotor (g), that the fluid bears at the same time against the portion (b) of the rotor and, for a time, against two rotating oscillators (v), but while rotating, the pressure decreases automatically on the more remote oscillator (v) and increases on the other one until bearing completely against a single oscillator (v), and so on for all rotating oscillators (v). The other portion of the rotor (g) shifted through operates in the same manner.

The two portions of the rotor (g) represented by the tops (d) operate at the same time and with the same power, i.e., there are two thrusts which are absolutely continuous and without dead point.

The continuity of thrust is all the more regular and continuous as the pressure of the fluid is always equal against the portions (b) of the rotor. The number of rotating oscillators is perfectly suitable for the operation of a double-thrust (b) rotor (g). Admittedly, the number of oscillators (v) may be increased. It may be decreased if, by way of a variant, the oscillators (v) are driven alternately.

Outlet.After its operating time, the thrust or pressure fluid is evacuated by being collected through (0) in the portions (r), entering (i), it leaves through the orifices (j), passes through the orifices provided for this purpose in a plate (s), and arrives in a collector (2) which directs said outflow into a silencer, if any. This evacuation can be eifected as variant oppositely to the admission.

This turbine rotates in both directions; to obtain this result, it is sufficient to reverse admission and outlet.

FIG. 2 is a unit showing the central gearing or gear drive (m) coupled on the rotor (g). Said gearing drives the intermediate gearings (0) which, in turn, drive the gearings (p) of the rotating oscillators (v); K are the holes for assembling with the body of the turbine.

FIG. 3 is a horizontal sectional view of the turbine and the system of the gearings coupled with the axles of the rotating oscillators (v).

Mounted on the shaft of the rotor (g) is the gearing (n), the driving system (i), as well as a fan (u) having several blades and designed for the cooling of the turbine and, more particularly, of the rotor which is traversed by air, passages (x) being provided in the plates (s), and holes (t) passing completely through the rotor (g).

By way of variant, this type of turbine is also able to operate with a single top (d), i.e., a single thrust instead of two. Owing to a single eccentric portion, this singlethrust rotor develops less power, given the same dimension, than the double-thrust rotor, but its flexibility is remarkable and it results in a definite saving. It normally c(:gr)nprises 2 rotating oscillators (v), but may also have By way of variation, the rotating oscillators (v) may also be caused to oscillate by a movement of a connectmg rod coupled to a gearing, or they may be driven by cams and rockers.

Taking into account controlled results, the above-described possible embodiments can be improved by the following additional solutions for which the correspondmg drawings have been preoared as Well as the following generalizations which may be applied, etc.

Arranged to operate without lubrication, all turbines may be set up with appropriate lubrication and all sealing devices.

The power and the speed are function, in each order of depending on the direction of rotation or the speed to be developed,

All models, except the model shown in FIG. 5, have only alternating motions.

The rotor (g), normally provided in the specification to operate cantilevered, may be set up with a hearing or ball race at the two ends of its axle, instead of a single end, which may render the unit more compact and more balanced.

The admission of the thrust or pressure fluid, provided through the center of the rotor, may also be effected through one of the side plates, the, outflow taking place through the opposite plate.

It is possible to couple a plurality of turbines, for exampie, for reasons of overall dimensions.

On the other hand, it is understood that, in addition to the features specified herein, the invention covers all possible combinations which do not change the nature thereof.

FIGURE 4 shows a high-speed turbine which comprises eight rotating oscillators (v) instead of six. It is the object of the greater number of said oscillators (v) that less pressure fluid can enter the recesses of the oscillators not in functional phase, which would imply a reduction of its power. The rotor (g) receives two thrusts at each turn.

Since the rotating segment of each oscillator (v) is increased in volume, the empty space in the cavities is reduced accordingly.

In this type of turbine, the oscillators (v) make two revolutions in the same direction, whereas the rotor (g) makes only one revolution. The entire admission, evacuation and gear drive system is the same as the one described in connection with FIG. 1.

FIGURE 5 shows a high-speed turbine, also with two thrusts for each revolution of the rotor, with the ditference that the six nonrotating oscillators (v) it comprises have an almost cylindrical shape, i.e., simply reduced by one are segment representing only about one-third of their volume, and that their movement is not a rotating movement, but an alternating lateral oscillation, in the manner of a pendulum, the alternating movement being obtained by the combined use of gearing and connecting rod (w) acting as double crank between an eccentric extension of the axle (b) and an intermediate gearing (0) which, in turn, is driven by the axial gearing (n) of the rotor (g).

This oscillating device with alternating lateral motion, which replaces the rotary motion of the oscillator (v), has the effect of reducing to a minimum the spaces which the active fluid would be able to occupy in the cavities which the device of rotating oscillators would necessarily leave empty.

FIGURE 6 is a detail view of the alternating drive device by gearings and connecting rods (w) acting on the eccentric portion of the axle of an oscillator (v), forming a crank of alternating oscillation, and the intermediate gearing (o) constituting the lower crank imparting the necessary rotary motion.

FIGURE 7 shows a high-speed turbine type which differs by the fact that it has a circumferential triple thrust, the rotor (g) comprising three tops (d) on its periphery. Five oscillators (v) are driven by the corresponding combination of gearings.

This arrangement allows optimal utilization of the thrust force, the almost cylindrical shape of the body of the oscillators (v) leaving only very little space in the recesses where the pressure fluid might enter uselessly.

The oscillators (v) turn three times as fast as the rotor (g) and in opposite direction, which results in a total of fifteen thrusts received for all of the three tops (d) with each revolution of the rotor (g) with all the more power, the more reduced the space of expansion and the more limited the loss of fluid. The device conducting the driving fluid remains the same, but the form of its internal distribution is modified in relation with the position of the three tops (d); the same is true for the outlet.

The operating flexibility and its regularity may benefit from the addition of an appropriate inertia fly-wheel.

FIGURE 8 shows the necessary arrangement of the combination of the drive gears (P).

FIGURE 9 shows a type of high-speed turbine which is similar to the one described by the invention, but which receives only a single driving thrust for each revolution of the rotor (g) exerted on the single top (d). There are three rotating oscillators (v) of two-thirds cylindrical shape, the axle of each of them rotating in the same direction and at the same speed as the axle of the rotor (g), each revolution of the latter thus corresponding to a revolution of oscillator (v). At their tangency point, the two rotating members do not come into contact owing to their different circumferential speed and are merely as closely level with each other as is mechanically possible.

FIGURE 10 shows the arrangement of the drive system by gearings. Both admission and evacuation are those provided in the orginal patent.

FIGURES 11 and 12 relate to oscillators or obturators of type (v) modified in-so-far as they operate alternately instead or rotatingly.

FIGURE 11 shows an alternating oscillator (V which does not comprise an end-of-travel stop.

FIGURE 12 shows the same oscillator (V which operates with an adjustable end-of-travel stop and which simply comes level with the recessed portion of the rotor (g) without contact capable of wearing out or of braking same.

In summary it is seen that there has been provided according to the invention a high-speed turbine disposed in a metal stand of appropriate dimensions, closed by side plates and forming the turbine body, inside which rotates a rotor made of high-strength metal. Over the entire length of its peripheral surface, said rotor carries projecting transverse portions called tops, whose vertically raised edges constitute, in the manner of blades or vanes, the abutting surfaces to be acted on by the expansion thrust imparted by a fluid or liquid arriving under pressure and thus giving to the rotor its gyratory motion.

The number of said tops may vary according to the type of turbine; in general, no more than three tops, symmetrically distributed over the periphery of the rotor are required; their height and their width being a function of the stress to be resisted, but it is indispensable that their upper surface be adjusted with great precision to the internal empty space of the turbine body, wherein they have to rotate.

Between the inner wall of the turbine body and the portions remaining recessed between the tops of the rotor is an empty circular space forming the expansion or thrust chamber, wherein arrives, from the outside and distributed by appropriate inner conduits, the fiuid under pressure, which is able to exert a circumferential driving thrust only on the vertical face of one or more of the tops of the rotor, depending on the type of turbine, which faces are the only portions of the expansion chamber capable of being displaced due to the force of the pressure fluid, the other portions being fixed or mechanically closed to limit momentarily the inner volume of the thrust chamber.

This obturation, against which the force of circumferential thrust abuts, is insured by the use of rotating oscillators or obturators, distributed in variable number depending on the type, in cylindrical recesses formed for this purpose in the mass of the turbine body.

Each of said rotating oscillators has a cylindrical portion with an angular recess, the are opening of which varies depending on the use. The oscillators are each mounted on an axle which is driven by a conventional combination of gearings depending on the rotor construction and which regulates its direction and rhythm of rotation, in the course of which the solid segment of the cylindrical body of the oscillators becomes tangent with the recessed or hollowed portion of the rotor and will operate as a valve to insure the necessary time-wise closing of one or the two ends of the expansion chambers.

By opening the intake of the pressure fluid, the cycle of rotation is begun immediately and will start the turbine, whatever the circumferential point where it has stopped.

The high-speed turbine may be of the double thrust type and comprises two tops and eight oscillators, the solid segment of each of which has great angular extent and will reduce the empty spaces which the pressure fluid must not enter.

The high-speed turbine may have double thrust and comprises only siX oscillators or ohturators for the drive, of which an intermediate gearing is eliminated and replaced with a connecting rod as a double crank imparting to the oscillator a lateral displacement motion of about 120 which replaces the gyr-atory motion of the previously described double thrust type.

The solid segment of the cylindrical portion of the oscillators becomes an incomplete ring, the volume of which leaves only a restricted empty volume in the cavities which may be infiltrated by the pressure fluid.

The high-speed turbine may be of triple thrust type with three tops disposed symmetrically on the rotor and five oscillators of the rotating type driven by a corresponding combination of gearings.

The rotating mass of the oscillators, which is about 270, leaves only a very small empty space which the pressure fluid is able to enter. Owing to the arrangement of the oscillators on the periphery of the rotor, two out of three tops always have simultaneous thrust.

Evacuation and admission are adapted accordingly.

A highspeed turbine may only comprise one top and have a single thrust per revolution. In this case, three oscillators rotate in the same direction and at the same speed as the rotor by means of a conventional gearing which is adapted accordingly.

No tangency can occur between the top and the oscillators whose circumferential speed is difierent; they will simply come close to each other until they are level with each other without coming into contact.

In the high-speed turbine admission can take place on a plate instead of through the axle of the rotor, and the outflow may be through an opposite plate, terminating in a silencer device if necessary.

The turbine may operate with or without lubrication.

The turbine may be cooled by atmospheric or pulsating air, by water, and by a combination of the two.

Moreover, the turbine may use water power as a pressure fluid, instead of compressed air or gas.

The turbine may be capable of rotating at very high speed or idling in two opposite directions by simple inversion of the inlet and the outlet.

Numerous modifications and variations of the disclosed embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as defined in the attached claims.

What is claimed is:

1. A high speed turbine comprising a hollow cylindrical stator provided with a plurality of part cylindrical uniformly distributed recesses opening into the inner periphery of the cylinder and sector-shaped obturators carried in said recesses and adapted to revolve round axes parallel with the stator axis and to project to a predetermined extent within the periphery of the stator during a fraction of their revolution, a rotor carried coaxially inside the stator and having a periphery which is tangential to the obturators in their projecting position, said rotor being provided with radial bores opening into the periphery of the rotor and the number of which is less than that of the stator recesses, piston-shaped projections rigid with the rotor immediately ahead of the opening of each radial bore and having an outer smooth periphery which is adapted to sweep along the inner periphery of the stator, a hollow shaft coaXially rigid with the rotor and through which motive fluid is fed to the radial bores and thence into the part annular chamber defined inside the gap separating the rotor from the stator to the rear of each piston-shaped projection, and means including a gearing interconnecting said shaft with said obturators to rotate the obturators in the same direction as the rotor in a predetermined timed relationship therewith.

2. A high speed turbine as claimed in claim, 1 wherein the rotor is provided with an axial bore connecting its radial bores with the recess formed by the hollow shaft to ensure the flow of motive fluid towards the gap between the rotor and the motor.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 942,275 12/1909 Minue 91l 13 X 1,306,238 6/1919 Ulland 91113 1,969,620 8/1934 Mau 9192 2,110,554 3/1938 Metzler 9192 X FOREIGN PATENTS 65,671 11/1955 France.

EVERETTE A. POWELL, JR., Primary Examiner. 

